Guide · Updated 2026 · Free

Gan registration in Israel — everything you need to know

In Israel, gan (municipal kindergarten) is public, free, and compulsory from age 3. Find out which age group your child belongs to, when registration opens, and what documents to bring.

Which age group does your child belong to?

Child's birth year

When to register

The national registration window typically opens in January–February for the school year starting that September. Exact dates are set by each municipality (iriya / moatza mekomit).

Where and how

Registration is done online via your municipality's website, or in person at the Machlakat HaChinuch (municipal Education Dept). Always save your confirmation.

What to bring

Your teudat zehut (Israeli ID card) with the child's details on the supplementary page (nispach), proof of residence in the municipality, and sometimes a photo and your kupat holim (health fund) details.

Find kindergartens near you

Browse rated kindergartens on BabyHub by city — including contact details and parent reviews.

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Tzaharon (after-school care)

Tzaharon is the extended-day programme after regular gan hours, usually running until 16:00–17:00 and including a meal and activities. Costs typically range from around ₪900 to ₪1,600 per month depending on the municipality and operator. Under the “Nitzan” (subsidised tzaharon) programme, significant discounts are available based on household income and employment status.

Information is general and correct as of 2026. Registration dates, catchment zones, and costs are set by each municipality separately — always verify the exact details with your local iriya (city council) or moatza mekomit (regional council).

Gan registration — gov.il (Hebrew) Maon & tzaharon subsidies — gov.il (Hebrew)

Frequently asked questions

When is gan registration in Israel?+

The national registration window usually runs from January to March for the school year that begins the following September. Each municipality sets its own exact dates — check your local iriya or moatza mekomit website. New olim who miss the window should contact the Machlakat HaChinuch (municipal Education Dept) directly; they can usually register late.

Is gan free in Israel?+

Yes. Under Israel's Compulsory Education Law, publicly funded gan is free and compulsory from age 3. Ages 3–5 are covered (pre-pre-compulsory at 3, pre-compulsory at 4, and the compulsory year at 5). Maon (daycare for children up to age 3) is separate and involves fees, though subsidies are available.

Do new immigrants register online or in person?+

If your child has an Israeli teudat zehut (or is registered on yours), you can usually register online like any resident. First-time olim who have not yet received Israeli identity documents, or whose child is not yet in the population registry, typically need to visit the Machlakat HaChinuch in person. Bring your teudat oleh (immigration certificate) and passport.

Maon vs gan — what is the difference?+

Maon (מעון יום) is daycare for children from about 3 months up to age 3; it involves fees and is run by private or subsidised providers. Gan (גן ילדים) is the public municipal kindergarten for ages 3–5 (and sometimes 6); it is free under compulsory education. The after-hours extension program is called tzaharon (צהרון) and carries a separate monthly fee.

Are there subsidies for olim for daycare (maon) fees?+

Yes. New immigrants may be eligible for subsidised maon rates through the government's childcare subsidy programme (managed by the Ministry of Labor). Eligibility depends on employment status, income, and length of residency. Apply through your local social services office (Misrad HaRavaha) or the government portal at gov.il. Verify current rates with your municipality, as rules change.